Veteran Fire Engine Finds New Life in the Grand Valley

Veteran Fire Engine Finds New Life in the Grand Valley

A former Grand Junction Fire Department apparatus has found a new home in the Grand Valley and will continue to be put to good use in our community. East Orchard Mesa (EOM) Fire Department recently won a bid to purchase a 2000 E-One Cyclone Engine from the City of Grand Junction.

EOM Training Officer Dane Van Loon said the upgrade will help bring the volunteer department into the future, “The engine we have now is a 1989 model, with this new engine we are moving our department forward by over a decade.” Van Loon said the new apparatus is not only an upgrade in technology, but it will broaden the capacity of the fire department to be able to tackle wildland and urban interface fires, carry gear more efficiently, and provide safer technology for the volunteer firefighters.

The engine served the Grand Junction Fire Department for over 16 years. Chief Ken Watkins said, “It’s good to see an apparatus stay in the valley. This investment continues to protect people in our community, and I’m glad that East Orchard Mesa Fire Department can make that happen.”

As the City of Grand Junction updates equipment, aging technology is auctioned off. This year, six pieces of apparatus and equipment from GJFD went to auction. Of all of the equipment, only one hose dryer and the engine mentioned above went to other Fire Departments in the Grand Valley.

The EOM Fire Department is a non-profit all volunteer department, hosting about 10 volunteer firefighters. While the purchase of the engine is a great advancement for the department, it is one that doesn’t come very often. “Most of our equipment is donated. While this engine is really exciting for our department, we still have a long way to go to upgrade protective equipment for our personnel.” If you would like to know more about the department, or if you are interested in volunteering, visit www.eastorchardmesafire.org.